Bring out the Santa hats, gloves and walking shoes. It's village stroll time for the Town of Barnstable. From Hyannis Harbor to the Barnstable Superior Courthouse, residents and villages are readying their annual, family-friendly activities.But though each village stroll contains a similar mix of holiday cheer and neighborly socializing, their origins are quite different. Whether around for five years or 50, the strolls have a little something for every age and belief. Barnstable

Though it's only been around since the late 1980s, Barnstable's annual stroll packs in a lot of winter fun for not a lot of bucks. Free events include food tastings courtesy of local restaurants, horse-drawn trolley rides, the traditional Santa visit, and more.

The event, said Precinct 1 Councilor Ann Canedy of Barnstable, started small. Over the years, the stroll "sort of became more and more businesses. It really became quite a big thing."

Along with other volunteers and a Barnstable-sponsored Stroll Committee, Canedy will staff booths on Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Barnstable claims competition with Yarmouth as the reason for its Wednesday strolls. According to Canedy, the strolls for the two towns often occurred on the same date, leading to visitors from Yarmouth coming "literally in truckloads" to experience the Barnstable festivities. Wednesdays were chosen "to discourage big crowds," and to keep events free for visitors, Canedy said.

The councilor's favorite part of the stroll is "walking down the street and seeing your neighbors in a festive mood," she said.

Because they strive to keep all stroll activities free of charge, Barnstable Village holds raffles and fundraisers and sells handmade ornaments created by Barnstable Potter owner Kevin Nolan. Ornaments can be purchased at Barnstable Pottery, Sturgis Library, and the upcoming Barnstable Historical Society Holiday Boutique held Dec. 1 to 4.

West Barnstable

Despite its close proximity to its neighbor to the east, West Barnstable puts a different spin on its holiday celebration. With fewer businesses and a less distinct Main Street area, villagers instead gather at the Town Green and 1749 Meetinghouse.

"We never really had a stroll," said Betty Nilsson, president of the West Barnstable Historical Society. Instead, villagers visit for tree lighting and caroling.

According to Nilsson, this current incarnation has been celebrated for around 15 years. Its history is much longer, though. She cites the West Barnstable Fire Department as the originators of the "little Christmas celebration" more than 50 years ago.

Before 1959, when the train stopped running, Nilsson said, village children would meet Santa at the train station, then accompany him to the West Parish Meetinghouse for carols and treats.

Even though Santa's transportation has changed over the years, the list of treats for adults and children alike hasn't. Carols are still sung, and punch and cookies are still enjoyed by all.

West Barnstable's 2007 tree lighting will be held Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. on the green on Route 149.

Hyannis

The Hyannis stroll may not have roots as deep as West Barnstable's, but the event makes up for its youth with a daylong schedule of activities.

Families can enjoy a variety of events all across the Main Street area, from newly created traditions to the annual boat parade and harbor lighting,

This year, the Bismore Park artist shanties and the Cape Cod Maritime Museum will both hold holiday open houses, while area boat owners will compete for prizes during the 5 p.m. boat parade.

Landlubbers, too, have a chance to show their holiday spirit in the Greater Hyannis Civic Association's accompanying house and business decorating contest.

Like the other villages, Hyannis will offer a host of holiday goodies, including hot chocolate and coffee, chili and chowder, hot dogs, and more. Proceeds from the food sales will benefit the Greater Hyannis Civic Association.

Howard Penn, co-owner of Puritan Clothing, doesn't recall the exact date the Hyannis Stroll began, though he believes it to be more than 10 years old. What he does remember is the excitement of the event.

"I'll be on the street helping out with the stroll," he said. "It's a lot of fun. More like a family night,"

The Hyannis holiday events will be held Dec. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at locations on and near Main Street.

Osterville

Osterville will hold its stroll events Dec. 14. Though holiday lights will take center stage after dark, visit the village beginning at 9 a.m., when business will be open and events, activities and shopping will begin.

As in years past, music, food, hayrides and general holiday cheer will be available. To celebrate the true spirit, at 6 p.m. Osterville will hold an Ecumenical CrÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¨che Service at the intersection of Main Street and Wianno Avenue.

Centerville

Like its fellow villages, Centerville will get into the spirit of things with its annual stroll celebration Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Beginning at Four Seas Ice Cream and ending at Monument Square on the other side of Main Street, businesses and residents will open their doors and hearts to offer treats, activities, holiday displays and more.

Visit Santa at 508 Main St. and Frosty the Snowman at the library for a friendly holiday hello, and take a stroll down Main to see what December delight is available.

Cotuit

Christmas will come a bit early on Main Street in Cotuit, when the Cotuit Civic Association sponsors its annual Christmas in Cotuit event Dec. 1. Events will take place at the Historical Society headquarters, the Cahoon Museum of American Art, and at other locations around the village.

Entertain the kids with library events and a visit from Santa at the Town Dock, and bring the whole family to a tree-lighting celebration at the park near the library.